Skykomish

The traditional put-in for the Skykomish was the base of Sunset Falls on river right at the state-owned fish trap and haul facility. Despite the fact that this facility belongs to the public and is one of the most dramatic and scenic river access points in the nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife closed the site to access in the year 2000.

Cable Drop Access serves as the primary public access point on river left. Following a request initiated by American Whitewater to develop a formal access at Cable Drop, the Forest Service successfully secured resources that American Whitewater was able to leverage through contributions that had been made to the Skykomish River Access Fund. In 2012, American Whitewater entered a formal partnership with the Forest Service to define a parking area and design a new trail and a set of stairs down to the river that accommodates rafts. Washington Recreational River Runners, stepped forward with volunteer labor to work on the project.

A few different lines are possible through this great drop which also serves up some fun play spots. In the past it was the site of the SkyFest rodeo competition.

The confluence where the North Fork joins the South Fork to form the Main Skykomish River. Trips can begin on either the North Fork or South Fork although the South Fork has traditionally begin on the South Fork. This site can also be used as an access point with an informal pull out and social trail down to the river on the downstream river left side of the Highway 2 Bridge across the South Fork and immediately upstream of the confluence.

A rapid through a maze of boulders.

The confluence of Anderson Creek that joins the Skykomish on river left marks the approach to Boulder Drop. If you are planning to portage Boulder Drop this is the most common place to take-out (on the downstream side of the creek) where you can hike up to the highway and then back down below Boulder Drop. In the past there was a surf feature that formed at certain flows but rocks have shifted and the whole feature changed considerably in the December 2025 floods.

Boulder Drop is the main rapid on the Skykomish. For many boaters in the region, it is the first class IV rapid they run. There are several different lines depending on flow and skill. Standard lines include Ned's Needle or Airplane turn. The best scouting location is from river right. It can also be portaged on the left (hike up to the road and walk along the shoulder).

The hole is near the left bank. Take the narrow line on the left or go wide to the right. Some just drop straight into the hole.

Fun rapid with a wave train that builds as flows increase. Good surf can be found at the bottom at the right flows. On a clear day the upstream view is one of the most iconic and beautiful on the Skykomish River.

A fun park and play spot on river left. The shoreline here is privately owned. The property owners are friendly to boaters but have requested that boaters walk along the shoreline to access the feature or exit their boats to spend time on the shoreline or use the area as a toilet. Please only access this feature from the water.

This access point on river left has been used by the paddling community for the past several years but is privately owned. Park within the highway right-of-way on the south side of Highway 2. The small pull-out with the trail to the river should only be used for loading and unloading. If Outdoor Adventure Center is using the site for a commercial trip, please be courteous and stay out of the way. Outdoor Adventure Center has managed the access on behalf of the private landowner who has a few expectations that include the following:

• \* take the shortest path to the water and avoid walking upstream to access the Split Rock feature by land (access to river features should be by water and paddlers must avoid creating new social trails along the bank and avoid approaching the private residence),

• \* refrain from using Split Rock as a bathroom,

• \* consider using Big Eddy as a meeting point for trips where a bathroom and parking is available to consolidate vehicles,

• \* avoid bringing dogs onto the property,

• \* avoid lingering (exit the river, run shuttle, load boats, and depart the area as quickly as reasonably possible) to avoid the appearance of this being a public river access or picnic site,

• \* respect commercial outfitter operations during the summer rafting season when Outdoor Adventure Center is actively using the site,

• \* do not use the access site for commercial activity (e.g. paid kayak instruction),

• \* fill out a liability waiver with Outdoor Adventure Center on an annual basis.

The access at the railroad bridge is privately owned by BNSF but has been used as an access on river left. It's a short steep climb up under the left bridge abutment to a pull out along the highway. The access is at Highway 2 mile 32.5.